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Insights in Imaging delivers a multi-faceted look into current and emerging issues in the field of radiologic science. This course addresses high-impact topics ranging from surgical secondhand smoke hazards and cybersecurity in healthcare, to AI integration in medical imaging and leadership in technologist education.

Presented in partnership with UT Health Tyler and hosted at their facility, this course will take place at UT Health Tyler, 801 Clinic Drive, Tyler, Texas, USA, 75701.

Participants will explore the invisible dangers posed by surgical smoke and learn mitigation strategies guided by current legislation and safety recommendations. The course delves into the remarkable discovery of radiation-resistant black fungus at Chernobyl and its potential for nuclear cleanup and space exploration. It also provides critical insights into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in imaging workflows and the ethical challenges it presents.

Cybersecurity threats and the growing risk to protected health information are examined, with practical solutions for institutional resilience. Attendees will also gain a deeper understanding of ARRT® sanctions and Texas Medical Board actions, helping them maintain compliance and professional integrity.

Emphasizing the importance of soft skills and leadership, the course empowers technologists to manage time effectively, avoid burnout, and grow as professionals in diverse, inclusive, and trauma-informed environments. With a combination of real-world case studies, educational best practices, and forward-looking innovation, Insights in Imaging equips radiologic professionals with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

 


Cancellation Policy,
FAQ's, & More:

Outline: 

Invisible Danger: Unveiling the Risks of Surgical Secondhand Smoke and the Healthcare Professional 
Melanie Hail, M.Ed., BSRS, RT(R)(M)

  • Introduction to Surgical Secondhand Smoke 
    • Definition and overview 
    • Devices that cause secondhand smoke 
    • Medical environments where this smoke exists 
    • Composition of the smoke 
    • Comparisons to cigarette smoke and its effects 
    • Health risks 
  • NIH Study Evaluation and Results 
    • Study overview 
    • Surgical masks versus N95 respirator masks 
    • NIOSH recommendations 
  • State Mandated Smoke Evacuation Legislation 
    • Current states with executed mandates 
    • Current state legislatures with ongoing discussions 
  • AORN Go Clear Award Program 
    • Overview of the program and its significance 
  • Final Tips and Takeaways 
    • Key points and actionable insights 

Education & Leadership in Imaging – Building Tomorrow’s Technologists  
Dominique R. Gomez, MSRS, RT(R)(CT)

  • The Call for Leadership in Imaging 
    • Workforce trends and leadership gaps 
    • Role of educators and clinical leaders 
  • Shaping the Future Technologist 
    • Curriculum innovation and simulation 
    • Inclusive and culturally humble teaching practices 
    • Trauma-informed education principles 
  • Mentorship & Professional Development 
    • Peer mentoring and leadership development 
    • Academic coaching and resilience training 
    • Promoting scholarly activities and participation 
  • Institutional Leadership 
    • Creating a culture of excellence and equity 
    • Faculty collaboration and student advocacy 

Nature’s Answer to Nuclear Catastrophe: Black Fungus in Chernobyl  
Melanie Hail, M.Ed., BSRS, RT(R)(M) (50 minutes) 

  • Background of Chernobyl 
    • Overview of the incident 
    • Current state of the site over the past 30+ years 
    • Long-term effects of the disaster 
  • Measures Taken to Contain the Disaster 
    • Various containment strategies employed 
  • Discovery of Cladosporium Sphaerospermum 
    • Introduction to the fungus 
    • Survival mechanisms in the contaminated environment 
  • Implications of the Discovery 
    • Potential for nuclear waste cleanup 
    • Applications in space exploration 
    • Future prospects for the next decade 
  • Final Tips and Takeaways 

AI in Medical Imaging – Our Present & Future  
Dominique R. Gomez, MSRS, RT(R)(CT)

  • Introduction to AI in Imaging 
    • What is AI? 
    • History and milestones in radiology AI 
  • Current AI Applications 
    • AI in CT, MRI, X-ray 
    • Automation in workflow and reporting 
  • Challenges and Ethical Concerns 
    • Bias in algorithms 
    • Patient privacy and informed consent 
    • Regulatory issues (FDA approval, liability) 
  • Technologist’s Evolving Role 
    • AI as a collaborative tool, not a replacement 
    • Upskilling and future-readiness 
  • The Future of Imaging 
    • Predictive analytics, personalized imaging 
    • Integrating AI in education and clinical protocols 

[LUNCH 1 HOUR] 

Cyber Threats in Healthcare: Are You Prepared?  
Melanie Hail, M.Ed., BSRS, RT(R)(M) 

  • Definitions 
  • Recent Health System Cyber Attacks 
    • Major healthcare systems affected/other 
  • What Was or Can Be Affected? 
    • PHI 
    • Reports, images, etc. 
    • Equipment 
  • How Did It Happen? 
    • 10 most vulnerable medical devices 
    • Imaging equipment 
    • Other 
  • Who Is Behind This? 
    • Various hacker groups, ransomware gangs 
  • How Can We All Better Prepare? 
    • Conversations NOW 
    • Planning 
    • Dry runs/collaboration 
  • Final Tips and Takeaways 

Soft Skills for the Radiologic Technologist: Time Management, Professional Development, Work-Life Balance  
Dominique R. Gomez, MSRS, RT(R)(CT) 

  • What Are Soft Skills and Why Do They Matter? 
    • Communication, empathy, teamwork, and adaptability 
    • Impact on patient care and professional relationships 
  • Time Management in a Fast-Paced Environment 
    • Prioritization techniques and avoiding burnout 
    • Tools and habits for scheduling and task management 
  • Lifelong Learning and Growth 
    • CE credits and ARRT advancement 
    • Reflective practice and goal setting 
  • Promoting Wellness & Balance 
    • Recognizing burnout and compassion fatigue 
    • Techniques for self-care, boundary setting, and workplace support 

ARRT® Sanctions, Trademark, and Misrepresentation of Credentials; Texas Medical Board Actions Against MRTs  
Melanie Hail, M.Ed., BSRS, RT(R)(M) 

  • Types of Sanctions Imposed and Adverse Actions by ARRT® 
    • Reprimand 
    • Ineligibility 
    • Suspension 
    • Revocation 
    • Denied Reinstatement 
    • Court Injunction 
    • Settlement Agreement 
  • ARRT® Case Study Examples and Rulings 
  • Texas Medical Board Disciplinary Actions, Case Studies, and Rulings 
  • Final Tips and Takeaways 

CT Trauma 
Dominique R. Gomez, MSRS, RT(R)(CT) (50 minutes) 

Topics TBD 

Objectives  

  1. Define surgical secondhand smoke and identify its components and origins. 

  1. Evaluate the health risks associated with surgical smoke exposure in various medical settings. 

  1. Examine NIH study findings, current mandates, and safety recommendations for surgical smoke mitigation. 

  1. Explain the historical context and long-term impacts of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. 

  1. Describe the discovery and survival mechanisms of black fungus in radioactive environments. 

  1. Analyze the potential applications of this fungus in nuclear cleanup and space exploration. 

  1. Identify risks to protected health information and vulnerabilities in medical systems. 

  1. Understand key strategies and tools to prevent and respond to cyber-attacks in healthcare. 

  1. Develop collaborative planning techniques to ensure resilience in case of system compromise. 

  1. Recognize the different types of sanctions and adverse actions the ARRT® may impose. 

  1. Analyze real-world case studies involving ARRT® sanctions and Texas Medical Board disciplinary actions. 

  1. Understand the consequences of credential misrepresentation and strategies for maintaining compliance. 

  1. Describe the current leadership challenges in radiologic science education and the need for inclusive practices. 

  1. Identify effective teaching strategies that support student engagement, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care. 

  1. Explore mentorship models and institutional approaches that promote professional growth and academic resilience 

  1. Explain how AI is currently used in various medical imaging modalities and its impact on clinical workflows. 

  1. Discuss the ethical, legal, and professional considerations involved in implementing AI in healthcare settings. 

  1. Evaluate how the role of the radiologic technologist is changing in response to AI integration and future advancements. 

  1. Identify essential soft skills that support effective communication, teamwork, and patient care in radiology. 

  1. Apply time management strategies to improve personal efficiency and reduce workplace stress. 

  1. Develop techniques to support long-term career development and maintain emotional well-being in clinical environments. 

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Melanie Hail

Melanie Hail is the Vice President of Business Development with Advanced Health Education Center and MedRelief Staffing. Melanie has experience as a radiography educator, clinical coordinator, and program director, with over 26 years of working in radiography education. During that time she has worked with various continuing education events and societies. Melanie is the recipient of the Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists' 2013 Sharon Coffey Educator of the Year award, and was awarded the TSRT Life Member Award in 2015. She is a former TSRT Southeast Texas Area Counselor Board Member, is active in various local and imaging societies across Texas, and state imaging societies across the nation. On a personal level, Melanie is a volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Calf Scramble Donors Committee. She is passionate about giving back to the imaging community, as well as the greater community, especially in education.

Insights in Imaging

  • Course ID: RT/Diagnostic-6382-2025
  • Event Location: UT Health Tyler, 801 Clinic Drive, Tyler (Partner), Texas, USA, 75701
  • Credit: 8 Category A Credit
  • Date: 06/07/2025
  • Time: 08:00 am - 5:00 PM
  • Instructor: Melanie Hail
  • $95.00


Tags: Radiology CE, Radiology, Continuing Education, CE, Tyler, Live Event